A Thankful Heart is a Happy Heart

Nate, Jess and Havia

Go look at your baby. I'll wait.

How do you feel now? Hopefully thankful. Wow. You have a beautiful baby. Aren't you sometimes amazed at all the thousands of little miracles that took place to create this life? You could think all the way back to how and where you met baby's daddy, and start your gratitude there. Or go back to your own parents, because if they never had you you could never have this baby. And your grandparents...ok, you get the picture.

As we embark on this time of family gatherings, stay thankful in your heart. When you need a little holiday pick-me-up, count your blessings. Plane rides are a popular challenge this time of year. Aren't you thankful you have someone to go see? If the plane stays on the tarmac for two hours due to weather, aren't you thankful the pilots won't risk your life to keep a schedule? Long car rides are perfect breeding grounds for patience and thanks. “Thank you, Mr. 18-wheeler, for giving me an opportunity to show my children how to bite your tongue.” Gratitude really does push out negativity. It's like a reboot. Push the gratitude button, and turn back on with a smile.

Personally, I'd like to give a shout out of thanks to each of you who come to my Postnatal classes now or have in the past. Your presence in my life, past or present, makes me feel rich with blessings of kindness, community, humor, grace, and strength. I love to look around the circle and see you all together, ridiculously swaying from leg-to-leg singing “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” because that's just what great moms do. I get a beautiful glimpse of the perfect love between a mother and child as you slowly move in Meditative Walk, smelling the top of your baby's head. I may not get to know each of you personally, but I am honored and thankful to be included in this snapshot of your time together. I think I can speak for all of us at Yoga Yoga who teach Prenatal, Postnatal, Crawlers & Toddlers, and Parent and Child when I say thank you for sharing your new life with us. We get as much out of this relationship as you do.

Have a wonderfully happy Thanksgiving.

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